How to Spot a Fake CAT Tourniquet
The Combat Application Tourniquet® (C-A-T®) has saved countless lives in military and emergency medical settings. However, the rise of counterfeit CAT tourniquets, such as the E-CAT from Hong Kong, poses a serious risk to those who rely on them in critical moments. It's important to know how to spot a fake CAT tourniquet and why it's essential to ensure you're purchasing a genuine one.
How to Identify Fake CAT Tourniquets
You can spot a fake Combat Application Tourniquet by closely inspecting its materials, construction, and markings. Here are some telltale signs that a CAT tourniquet might be counterfeit.
- Windlass Rod: A genuine North American Rescue CAT tourniquet will have a sturdy windlass rod with deep ribbing that doesn't bend during use. Fake tourniquets often have flimsy or brittle rods that can snap under pressure. Genuine Gen 3 and Gen 6 CAT tourniquets have groove cuts for a tactile feel. The Gen 7 has raised ribbing for superior tactile control.
- Windlass Clip: A real CAT's windlass clip is rigid and strong. The clip on a fake is often bendable even with just your fingers, meaning it won't be able to hold the rod securely in place when it's under pressure. The thickness of the clip on a genuine CAT was increased from the Gen 3 to the Gen 6 and finally to the Gen 7, which has the thickest windlass clip of the three and is reinforced for added strength.
- Required Turns: When applied correctly, a genuine CAT will require 2 to 3 rotations of the windlass rod to achieve full occlusion. However, fake tourniquets can take up to 10 turns of the rod before you reach occlusion—if it is reached at all.
- Sonic Welding: The seams on a real CAT are sonically welded to create a solid, durable bond. Sonic welding fuses the nylon fibers inside the fabric, while the surface layers remain intact. Counterfeit tourniquets often have thermally bonded, stitched, or glued seams that can tear apart during use, compromising the effectiveness of the tourniquet.
- Buckle: A real CAT will have a slightly curved buckle that is robust and difficult to bend or break. Counterfeit versions use cheaper plastics, resulting in weak buckles that can fail under stress.
- Markings and Logos: A genuine CAT tourniquet will have clear Composite Resources or CAT Resources branding. In contrast, the markings and logos on counterfeits often have poor-quality printing, inconsistent fonts, and misspellings—or they’re missing completely.
- A real Gen 3 or Gen 6 CAT is marked with the initials C-A-T and the National Stock Number (NSN) in white print on the back of the stabilization plate. The manufacture date is stamped on the tail end of the strap. The tail end of the strap is black on Gen 3s and red on Gen 6s and 7s.
- The Gen 7 CAT has raised black initials (C-A-T) on its single-feed routing buckle and at either end of the windlass rod. These initials can be read from either direction. The initials “C-A-T,” the website and a few other details are written on the back of the stabilization plate with 5mm mold markings. This model displays the CAT branding, NSN, and lot information (with the manufacture date) on the tail end of the strap.
- Strength and Length of the Hook-and-Loop Strap: The securing strap of a real CAT will firmly grip and remain tight under strain. Fake CAT tourniquets frequently use inferior hook-and-loop strapping that loses its grip quickly, increasing the risk of slippage during use. Original CATs are approximately 35 inches long while counterfeits are often, though not always, around 5 inches shorter.
- Price: If the price is less than $25, you can pretty much be sure that it is a fake.
Why It's Important to Include an Authentic CAT Tourniquet in Your Bleeding Control Kit
A bleeding control kit is essential for managing severe bleeding emergencies, both for first responders and civilians. By including a genuine CAT tourniquet, you ensure your kit contains proven equipment designed to stop life-threatening arterial bleeding.
Combat Application Tourniquets are trusted globally because they can withstand intense pressure and are standard issue for military personnel. Counterfeits sold on platforms like eBay and Amazon lack the rigorous testing required, making them prone to failure in critical moments.
Where to Buy Authentic CAT Tourniquets
Always purchase from trusted vendors or authorized distributors like True Rescue to avoid buying a counterfeit CAT tourniquet. Avoid unknown sellers—particularly those offering significant discounts—as this is a red flag that the CAT is fake. It's worth the extra money to ensure you're getting the real thing, as it could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Ensure Safety With Genuine CAT Tourniquets
Buying a counterfeit CAT tourniquet is a costly mistake that could put someone's life at risk. While fake tourniquets may look similar to the real deal, their inferior construction and unreliable components make them a dangerous choice.
Quality is non-negotiable in life-or-death situations, so always buy from authorized sources and learn how to spot the warning signs of a fake CAT tourniquet. Following these guidelines will ensure you have the right equipment to save lives when it counts most.
